Growth Guarantee Scheme End Date:
31 March 2026

Time is running out to secure up to £2 million with 70% government backing. No personal residence security required. Applications close March 2026.

Check your eligibility today before this opportunity ends.

Check Your GGS Eligibility

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Government-Backed Business Finance

Who Can Apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

The Growth Guarantee Scheme is designed for UK small and medium-sized businesses. Whether your business turns over £50,000 or £40 million per year, you can apply, as long as your annual turnover doesn’t exceed £45 million.

Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, professional services, hospitality, or technology, if your business needs finance for growth, working capital, or investment, you can apply.

The scheme is deliberately inclusive. From start-ups to established companies, if you’re UK-based and trading, you’re likely eligible. The government backing means businesses that might struggle with traditional lending can often secure approval.

What Can You Use GGS Funding For?

Equipment & Machinery

Purchase or upgrade essential tools, machinery, and equipment to improve productivity and efficiency.

USE CASES

Vehicles & Fleet

Buy or lease commercial vehicles, vans, or company cars to support your operations and deliveries.

USE CASES

Location Expansion

Expand or relocate your workspace, open new locations, or invest in property improvements.

USE CASES

Working Capital

Manage cash flow and operational costs while maintaining financial stability during growth periods.

USE CASES

Stock & Inventory

Purchase inventory and stock to meet customer demand, seasonal peaks, or new product launches.

USE CASES

Staff & Training

Hire new employees and invest in team development and training to support business growth.

USE CASES

When Does the Growth Guarantee Scheme End?

The Growth Guarantee Scheme closes to new applications on 31 March 2026. This is a firm deadline set by the British Business Bank announced in Spring Budget 2024. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted or processed.

This deadline applies to all businesses and all sectors. Once the scheme closes, the opportunity to access government-backed funding with a 70% guarantee, no home security requirement, and competitive interest rates (typically 6% to 15% depending on your business profile) will no longer be available.

Interest rates under the Growth Guarantee Scheme are generally more favourable than standard commercial loans because of the government backing, making this a particularly attractive financing option for growth-focused businesses.

Important Dates to Remember

Now through 31 March 2026

Application window remains open

31 March 2026

Final deadline for all new applications

After 31 March 2026

The scheme will no longer accept new applications

Important: Plan Your Application Timeline Processing times vary based on loan amount.

Applications typically take 1 to 5 weeks to process from submission to decision. To ensure your application is reviewed before the GGS application deadline, we recommend applying by early February 2026.

The earlier you apply, the better. Having your documents ready (accounts, bank statements, and ID) will also help speed things along.

* Time-frames for approval are subject to many other factors including but not limited to having the right documentation in order and which lender you apply through.*

How to Apply Before the Growth Guarantee Scheme Deadline?

How to Apply Before the Growth Guarantee Scheme Deadline?

STEP 1: Share Your Funding Needs

Complete the enquiry form at the top of this page or contact our team directly.

We’ll discuss:

  • How much funding you need (£1,000 – £2 million)
  • What the funding will be used for
  • Your business situation and trading history
  • Your timeline and urgency

This initial conversation helps us understand your requirements and confirm whether the Growth Guarantee Scheme is the right option for your business.

STEP 2: We Prepare Your Application

This is where Funding Bay does the heavy lifting. Our team will:

  • Analyze your business financials and requirements
  • Match you with the most suitable lenders from our panel of 200+ lenders
  • Package your application professionally – Prepare all necessary documentation
  • Submit your application to selected lenders on your behalf

You don’t submit anything directly to lenders – we handle all of that for you. We’ll guide you on which documents we need (typically 2 years of accounts, bank statements, ID, and business plan details).

STEP 3: Lender Review & Assessment

Once we’ve submitted your application, lenders conduct their assessment.

Processing times depend on your loan amount:

  • Under £50,000: Typically 1-3 weeks
  • £50,000 – £500,000: Typically 3-5 weeks
  • Over £500,000: Typically 5-8 weeks

During this period, lenders review your business financials, credit history, and funding purpose. If lenders need any additional information, we handle all communication with them – you deal only with Funding Bay throughout the entire process.

STEP 4: Decision & Funding

IF APPROVED:
We’ll present you with the formal loan offer, explaining the interest rate, repayment terms, and any conditions in plain English. Once you’re happy and accept the offer, funds are typically transferred to your business account within 3 to 5 working days.

IF NOT APPROVED:
We’ll explain the lender’s decision and immediately explore alternative funding options from our network of lenders. As specialists in business finance, we often find suitable alternatives even when one option doesn’t work out.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Growth Guarantee Scheme closes to new applications on 31 March 2026. This was announced in the Spring Budget 2024 and the scheme is administered by the British Business Bank on behalf of the UK government.

As of the most recent government announcements, the Growth Guarantee Scheme is scheduled to close on 31 March 2026. There has been no official announcement regarding an extension beyond this date.

Businesses requiring government-backed finance should plan to apply before the confirmed deadline.

The Growth Guarantee Scheme is designed for UK businesses with turnover of up to £45 million.

The scheme is available to most business sectors and supports various business structures including sole traders, corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and co-operatives.

Each lender conducts their own credit and fraud checks as part of the application process.

Principal Private Residences (your home) cannot be taken as security within the Growth Guarantee Scheme. However, personal guarantees can be taken at the lender’s discretion, in line with their normal commercial lending practices.

Businesses that previously received Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), or Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) facilities are not prevented from accessing the Growth Guarantee Scheme.

However, previous borrowing under these schemes may reduce the maximum amount you’re eligible for under the Growth Guarantee Scheme.

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